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UNRC Remarks at the UN Global Compact Network Philippines (GCNP) - 6th Sustainability Summit
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Philippines
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in the Philippines.
Data in this section is currently being updated and under review.
Press Release
01 October 2024
Calls for an inclusive future as UN Month 2024 activities are launched
The United Nations in the Philippines kicks off a robust and diverse agenda of events as part of the 2024 UN Month. From regional conferences, forums, and observance of international days, the UN Team will gather national and local players, academe, the private sector, and financial institutions to strategize on a wide range of development issues. This year’s theme, “One Common Future, One Common Agenda,” highlights the continued importance of multilateralism and the need for collaboration and cooperation among all sectors of society in shaping a better and sustainable future for all.To launch the celebrations under UN Month, the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Globe will be illuminated the iconic blue of the United Nations during a ceremonial lighting on 1 October, which will be attended by the UN Country Team in the Philippines and partners from government, and the private sector.Throughout October, UN agencies will hold several events and activities touching upon the broad spectrum of the United Nations’ work in the country, including labor, health, disaster risk reduction, food security, women and children’s rights and participation, environmental sustainability, peace and security, and localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), among others.“This celebration of UN Month is not just an opportunity for us to share what we are doing in the country – it is a call to action following the recently concluded Summit of the Future held in New York last September. During that once-in-a-generation gathering of the world’s leaders, they committed to bold new solutions to the polycrises we currently face, but it will take our collective efforts to realize this vision of a more inclusive and more sustainable future,” said UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez.As part of advocacy and outreach to encourage collective action towards achieving the SDGs, the SM MOA Globe will feature images and slogans from the United Nations’ Act Now campaign. Throughout the month, the MOA Globe will be lit up in the colors of the SDGs, together with information on progress on the Goals and tips on small, but impactful changes that each individual can make.“As a longstanding partner, SM Supermalls is honored to be part of UN Philippines' month-long celebration," SM Supermalls President Steven Tan said. "SM is committed to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. From generating employment opportunities to empowering Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), promoting gender equality and social inclusion, to underpinning environmentally sustainable initiatives across our operations. SM Supermalls strives to uplift communities, especially in those we serve, to contribute to a more robust, resilient, and sustainable future.”The UN Month 2024 activities will also celebrate the first year of implementation of the 2024-2028 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework that guides the UN’s work to support the Philippines achieve its national development priorities and ensure that no one is left behind.
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07 June 2024
UN showcases achievements, reforms in high-level briefing
MANILA, 7 June. The United Nations (UN) in the Philippines today presented the highlights of its work to representatives of 42 UN Member States and development partners. UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo González provided a snapshot of the country’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), identifying areas that are on track, as well as those that are lagging or have regressed. This was followed by an overview of the UN Country Team’s (UNCT) cross-cutting activities towards the fulfillment of the SDGs and the Philippines’ development priorities. The briefing served as a forum for the United Nations to share updates on the implementation of its programmes amid the organization’s shift in focus from traditional development assistance to transformative strategic partnerships for policy and capacity development, knowledge generation and the leveraging of financial resources, as set out under the UN Reform. “The reform brings clarity to the type of services and support to be delivered by the UNCT. In a middle-income country like the Philippines, we expect the UNCT to be more engaged in technical assistance, knowledge sharing and policy advice, rather than the service delivery or international coordination support provided to low-income countries,” said Mr. González. This new approach is reflected in the Philippines-United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2024-2028 (CF), which came into effect at the beginning of the year. Undersecretary Charles Jose of the Department of Foreign Affairs commended the UN for being a valuable partner in government-led initiatives and expressed hope for continued collaboration to achieve the Philippines’ ambitions and address existing challenges. “We hope that more resources and expertise are directed towards areas in which the Philippines is still in the process of building competency, such as up-levelling innovation- and science-based solutions, creating a sound business environment, enhancing climate and hazard resiliency, and other forward-looking projects that support our upper middle-income country ambition,” he said. Notable among recent innovations in the UNCT’s programme implementation is the increase in joint programming among United Nations entities, a strategy that facilitates the pooling of capacities and resources towards shared priorities. Mr. González emphasized that the briefing reflected the United Nations’ commitment to increased accountability, transparency, and coherence: “This is a strong attempt to ensure a more collaborative and integrated UN development system that enhances a whole-of-UN approach to all aspects of the development planning cycle.” Reporting on 2023 UN results At today’s briefing, Mr Gonzalez and heads of UN entities also provided a summary of the results of the final year of implementation of the United Nations Socioeconomic and Peacebuilding Framework 2020-2023 (SEPF), the previous joint framework between the UN and the government. In 2023, the UN was second largest source of Official Development Assistance (ODA) in the Philippines with US$ 281.2 million in assistance, according to data from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). See the UN in the Philippines’ Press Release on the 2023 Annual Report and the main achievements last year.
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Press Release
07 October 2024
United Nations Philippines accelerates SDGs at the local level in Surigao
The “Localize to Realize: Accelerating SDG implementation for local and vulnerable groups and communities of women, indigenous peoples and informal settler families” (L2R SDG) project implemented by UN Habitat and UN Women and funded by the global Joint SDG Fund looks at enhancing the capacities of local government units (LGUs) in updating their local development plans through an innovative community-driven Voluntary Local Review (VLR) model to better address socio-economic needs and priorities of various population groups.
The United Nations has been supporting VLRs for local governments to assess progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the local level and identify drivers for acceleration.
“While governments design national policies and development frameworks, cities and municipalities have their finger on the pulse the best and are therefore in a key position to assess challenges and implement development projects to respond to the needs of their population,” said Gustavo Gonzalez, UN Philippines Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator.
The L2R SDG jumpstarts in Surigao City, where some of the most vulnerable communities in the Philippines reside, including the sea-based nomadic Sama Bajau indigenous group and informal settler families.
On top of the list of vulnerable population groups in the city are 200-300 undocumented Sama Bajau and 1,473 informal settler families, which have limited access to basic services and are displaced because of climate change.
“It is all about bringing the global dreams of the Sustainable Development Goals right here where they matter the most – in our barangays here in Surigao, in our homes, and in the lives of our most vulnerable groups,” according to Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II.
L2R SDG follows a participatory approach, engaging target communities – including women, youth and the elderly – to play an active part in “SDG development planning and monitoring” along with the LGUs.
“There is no ‘one size fits all’ in development. Success relies on understanding the specificities of every city and making the most of the capacities of their people. Localization is critical for inclusive and sustainable development,” Gonzalez said.
Following the Huy-anan nan Bajau sa Surigao (Home for Bajau in Surigao) project of UN Habitat with the Government of Spain through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), L2R SDG will provide housing and livelihood support to assist communities in disaster recovery. The agency’s Global Monitoring Framework rollout will also support Surigao City’s VLR development.
"This project reflects our shared commitment to develop our communities," said Violeta Dominguez, AECID General Coordinator.
UN Women’s “Empowering Women for Climate-Resilient Societies Phase II” or EmPower II project, which advocates for climate resilient and empowered communities for women, will support the joint programme’s target to engage Bajau and informal settler women in SDG planning and monitoring with the LGU through access to resources and networks.
Through the L2R SDG, Surigao City is expected to be a benchmark LGU in the localization of the SDGs. Surigao is one of three cities in the Philippines with ongoing VLRs supported by the UN.
“Local governments are essential catalysts in the acceleration of our 2030 goals with their unique, inclusive, and grounded perspectives on the issues that the SDGs are addressing,” Gonzalez said.
The L2R SDG joint programme is funded through the Joint SDG Fund using funding from Spain as well as the governments of Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and Switzerland.
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09 October 2024
Waiting for the ‘big one’ – natural hazards in the Philippines
The Philippines is preparing for the possibility of either a super typhoon or a significant earthquake, often referred to by Filipinos as the “big one.”The Southeast Asian country is the most prone to natural hazards in the world, and these hazards are becoming more intense due to climate change.The UN has been working hand-in-hand with the authorities in the Philippines to prepare for a wide range of disasters, as the UN Resident Coordinator in the country, Gustavo González, explains ahead of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction marked annually on 13 October.“The Philippines, with its 7000 islands and many coastal cities, has always been extremely vulnerable to intense weather events and natural hazards. Each year there are some 20 typhoons, and many can transform into super typhoons, which are very destructive extreme weather events. We are seeing more super typhoons as the seas in Southeast Asia warm due to climate change.There are also around 20 active volcanoes across the country, and according to experts, we can expect a 7.2 magnitude earthquake at any time. So, the serious threat of super typhoons, volcanoes and earthquakes, exacerbated by climate change, compels us to prepare for the eventuality of a “big one”, a natural event of huge potential destructive force. The Philippines ranks number one globally in the World Risk Index, which measures vulnerability and exposure to natural extreme events.However, the extent of the country’s vulnerability is not well known outside the region. Indeed, when I arrived in this country as the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, equipped with my long experience in crisis situations, I immediately recognized the uniqueness of this country. I realized that we needed to profoundly reassess the standard toolkit for humanitarian aid and development programming used in other countries to better align it with the distinctive circumstances of the Philippines. In response, there has been a paradigm shift in the work of the UN Country Team towards investing in resilience building, which means enhancing national and local capacities to cope with, adapt to and recover from present and future shocks. This is reflected in a very popular Filipino proverb which says “when the blanket is short, learn how to bend”.Not one-size fits allFurthermore, our approach in the country also must take into account regional differences. When I visited an area affected by Super Typhoon Odette in 2021, I assumed that it would share the same cultural identity and political dynamics as other parts of the country, but this was far from the case.Even on a tiny island you can be confronted with totally different socioeconomic realities, in locations just a few kilometers apart. While one community may ask for mobile phones to rapidly re-establish communications and put solidarity in motion, the neighbouring community may require livelihood support or just some materials to start rebuilding their homes.I remember one inspirational local leader on Dinagat island who was very clear about the priorities of her community following a super typhoon. She respectfully questioned some of our standard and globally practiced humanitarian interventions. She argued that some items were superfluous, while highlighting gaps in other areas, and requested a customized response to improve the effectiveness of the response.What we learn from such experiences is that building resilience starts by recognizing the invaluable capital of knowledge, skills and assets that a community can offer. The people affected are in the best position to decide what they need and where the UN can add value in the aftermath of a disaster. Factoring such wealth of local knowledge into the humanitarian response represents a paradigm shift away from the UN’s standard approach. Portraying affected communities just as a combination of needs and vulnerabilities is oversimplifying a complex reality. Developing the humility to listen, discover and genuinely engage with communities is an absolute requirement.Preparation and ResilienceBuilding [MG1] resilience and preparedness remains the most cost-effective way of addressing natural hazards like earthquakes, floods or typhoons. In the Philippines, an ongoing decentralization process provides local municipalities with a major role in assessing risks and planning for disasters, as well as in developing early warning systems.
I visited a UN Development Programme and UN Habitat-supported project in Albay province in the shadow of the Mayon Volcano where communities were learning to fly state-of-the-art drones. The digital mapping of disaster-prone areas provides essential information for the planning and risk assessment to better predict, prepare for, and mitigate the negative impacts of disasters and other natural hazards. In Mindanao, I met the Bajaus, a group of seafaring indigenous people whose houses were severely damaged by Super Typhoon Odette in 2021. Supported by UN Habitat, members of the community rebuilt their houses according to traditional construction practices and using locally available materials. Recognizing and incorporating local ingenuity has been critical to develop tailor-made solutions. Their houses are now more likely to survive a typhoon.UN collaborationWhile communities are being empowered to take the initiative and prepare for and mitigate the impact of extreme weather or an earthquake, the United Nations is also working alongside the government and other partners to coordinate an international response to those possibly catastrophic events.As the UN Resident Coordinator as well as the UN Humanitarian Coordinator, my role is to, firstly, put global knowledge and practices at the disposal of the government, secondly, to build alliances to support integrated humanitarian and development solutions and, finally, leverage financial resources to make them sustainable. When I started working for the UN, almost three decades ago, there was an artificial division of labor between humanitarian and development work. Such divide was across programmes, strategies and budgets. Today, there is a humble recognition that the nature and magnitude of crises require a more holistic and integrated approach. We call it the “nexus approach”.Our new Anticipatory Action Pilot Programme* brings community knowledge, technology, digitalization and logistics together, in a single formula. We generally only have a 36-hour warning ahead of the arrival of a super typhoon to activate anticipatory action including arranging cash transfers to previously identified people. This money can help families to move valuable assets like boats and tools, as well as to stock up on food or move to evacuation centres. Experience shows that for every dollar we invest in prevention, we save four dollars in reconstruction. As we see, the exposure to disasters and the vulnerability to climate change have compelled Filipinos to cultivate a unique sense of resilience. The “saving lives” spirit is widely spread within local communities. As Filipinos frequently say, “as long as there is life, there is hope.”*The Anticipatory Action Pilot Programme is implemented by UN agencies: the World Food Programme, UNICEF, the International Organization for Migration, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA, and supported by the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)UN Resident CoordinatorThe UN Resident Coordinator, sometimes called the RC, is the highest-ranking representative of the UN development system at the country level.In this occasional series, UN News is inviting RCs to blog on issues important to the UN and the country where they serve.Learn more about the work of the UN in the Philippines here.Find out more about the UN Development Coordination Office here.This article was originally published on UN News.
I visited a UN Development Programme and UN Habitat-supported project in Albay province in the shadow of the Mayon Volcano where communities were learning to fly state-of-the-art drones. The digital mapping of disaster-prone areas provides essential information for the planning and risk assessment to better predict, prepare for, and mitigate the negative impacts of disasters and other natural hazards. In Mindanao, I met the Bajaus, a group of seafaring indigenous people whose houses were severely damaged by Super Typhoon Odette in 2021. Supported by UN Habitat, members of the community rebuilt their houses according to traditional construction practices and using locally available materials. Recognizing and incorporating local ingenuity has been critical to develop tailor-made solutions. Their houses are now more likely to survive a typhoon.UN collaborationWhile communities are being empowered to take the initiative and prepare for and mitigate the impact of extreme weather or an earthquake, the United Nations is also working alongside the government and other partners to coordinate an international response to those possibly catastrophic events.As the UN Resident Coordinator as well as the UN Humanitarian Coordinator, my role is to, firstly, put global knowledge and practices at the disposal of the government, secondly, to build alliances to support integrated humanitarian and development solutions and, finally, leverage financial resources to make them sustainable. When I started working for the UN, almost three decades ago, there was an artificial division of labor between humanitarian and development work. Such divide was across programmes, strategies and budgets. Today, there is a humble recognition that the nature and magnitude of crises require a more holistic and integrated approach. We call it the “nexus approach”.Our new Anticipatory Action Pilot Programme* brings community knowledge, technology, digitalization and logistics together, in a single formula. We generally only have a 36-hour warning ahead of the arrival of a super typhoon to activate anticipatory action including arranging cash transfers to previously identified people. This money can help families to move valuable assets like boats and tools, as well as to stock up on food or move to evacuation centres. Experience shows that for every dollar we invest in prevention, we save four dollars in reconstruction. As we see, the exposure to disasters and the vulnerability to climate change have compelled Filipinos to cultivate a unique sense of resilience. The “saving lives” spirit is widely spread within local communities. As Filipinos frequently say, “as long as there is life, there is hope.”*The Anticipatory Action Pilot Programme is implemented by UN agencies: the World Food Programme, UNICEF, the International Organization for Migration, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA, and supported by the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)UN Resident CoordinatorThe UN Resident Coordinator, sometimes called the RC, is the highest-ranking representative of the UN development system at the country level.In this occasional series, UN News is inviting RCs to blog on issues important to the UN and the country where they serve.Learn more about the work of the UN in the Philippines here.Find out more about the UN Development Coordination Office here.This article was originally published on UN News.
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10 October 2024
UN, Philippine government meet to discuss Human Rights Plan
Following the conclusion of the United Nations Joint Programme on Human Rights on 31 July, the UN Country Team in the Philippines continues to work with the government on further strengthening the country’s human rights mechanisms through the development of the Fourth Philippine Human Rights Plan (PHRP4). On 9 October, UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez and heads of the UN’s specialized agencies met with representatives of the lead government agencies involved in drafting the PHRP4, including the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat, National Council for Disability Affairs, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice, Department of Migrant Workers, Committee on the Welfare of Children, Philippine Commission on Women, and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples. The meeting was convened to share information on the consultation process undertaken by the Government, explore possible areas of collaboration, and provision of technical advice and global knowledge. “Human rights is one of the three pillars of the United Nations, making it extremely relevant to all three pillars of the Cooperation Framework that the Government and the UN signed last year. This new agreement emphasizes partnership with the government, so we take the lead from the government’s own development frameworks, such as this forthcoming Philippine Human Rights Plan,” said Mr. Gonzalez. The Resident Coordinator shared that various UN agencies have engaged in different areas of human rights, including protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, non-discrimination, prison conditions, rights of migrant workers and refugees, and promotion of gender equality among others. Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (PHRCS) Executive Director Severo S. Catura meanwhile provided key updates on the development of the PHRP4. He noted the active engagement of a broad range of government agencies. Moreover, in the past months the PHRCS has conducted consultations with around 485 civil society organizations in different parts of the country.With the UN’s technical and financial support, seven consultations with over 600 civil society organizations and local government representatives were organized across the country to collect grassroots information and knowledge to enrich the PHRP. The document will be organized with one chapter each for the eight human rights treaties ratified by the Philippines, plus an additional chapter on emerging issues. The PHPR4 will be launched on 10 December or Human Rights Day.
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02 October 2024
First Person: Swapping guns for ballpens in the Philippines
Suraida ‘Sur’ Amil joined the Bangsamoro Islamic Women Auxiliary Brigade (BIWAB) as an 18-year-old with the with the goal of achieving autonomy for the predominantly Muslim regions of Mindanao.After an agreement was signed to end the insurrection and provide a greater autonomy and self-governance for the people of Bangsamoro, she participated in a reconciliation programme supported by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to reintegrate and rehabilitate former combatants. Here are her views, to commemorate The International Day of Non-Violence, which is observed annually on 2 October.“From an early age growing up in Bangsamoro, I saw how difficult life was for my parents. They faced different forms of discrimination and they witnessed the brutality of the nine-year-long martial law which was declared in 1972 and which deeply affected many communities across Mindanao, including Muslim populations.My parents had a hard life, they lived in poverty and were not able to achieve their dreams. This has affected my life and the life of my nine other siblings. I had hoped to become a teacher but I was never able to do so as I did not finish school due to the lack of financial support.At eighteen I realized I had to fight for the rights of our people for our self-determination, not just for my generation but also for future generations.A friend of mine was a member of BIWAB and as soon as I heard about its goals, it made me think about the suffering my parents had experienced and what I could do to improve the situation for our community.If you ask me whether I would choose war or peace, of course I would never choose war over peace, but we had to fight for that peace. I spent time operating in the jungles as a combatant. It was a harsh environment living in the mountains alongside wild animals without the comforts of home.But women are very strong; they have the ability to become fighters while at the same time be providers for their families.Ballpens not guns, jilbabs not military uniformsIn 2014 the peace agreement for Bangsamoro (the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, CAB) was signed and so little by little we are transforming ourselves into civilians. I have swapped my combat boots for lipstick, I carry ballpens for writing rather than a gun for shooting, I wear a jilbab and not a military uniform and I have moved out of the jungle and back into my community.I have become a peace facilitator and work with people in my local area on issues such as gender-based violence and how to prevent violent extremism.Islam teaches us to be kind to one another and not to harm other human beings. We have a saying in Islam that if we save one life, it is as if we have saved humanity.I value and am proud of my role as a peace advocate in my community.As part of the workshop discussion on modern forms of communications, which I participated in, I learned how to promote the awareness and prevention of violent extremism on social media. I am now living a life of peace but my message to my young daughter has always been that she should always fight for her rights.When you are fighting for a noble cause, it doesn’t matter if you gain or you lose something, because it is the cause itself which truly matters.” Suraida Amil participated in the Strategic Communications workshop on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) under the EU-STRIVE programme.This article was originally published on UN News.
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13 September 2024
Filipino experts learn to investigate suspicious deaths, compliance with key international protocol
Sheilamar Saliganan-Abadia, Assistant Prosecutor in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, has worked in the Philippine justice system for nearly two decades. Throughout her career, she has dealt with many cases involving suspicious deaths.“Being a prosecutor for 16 years, I primarily relied on the Certificate of Death [in preparing cases for prosecution], but I realized that they are not really accurate all the time,” she said. “[Learning more about] autopsies made me realize that.”Ms Saliganan-Abadia was one of 42 law enforcement and justice sector personnel trained on guidelines called the Minnesota Protocol in a series of workshops organized by the United Nations Joint Programme on Human Rights (UNJP-HR).The Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of Potentially Unlawful Death is an internationally recognized practical guide for police, crime scene investigators, medical practitioners, lawyers, and others tasked with investigating suspicious deaths.Originally conceived by the Minnesota Lawyers International Human Rights Committee in the 1980s, the Protocol was formally adopted by the United Nations in 1991 and revised in 2016. It sets standards and details procedures for collaborative forensic investigations that effectively respond to and ensure accountability for violations of the right to life.To boost knowledge and use of the Protocol in the Philippines, the UNJP-HR, led by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), has been working with the Philippine government and civil society organizations to enhance collaboration among investigating agencies and strengthen forensic capacity.In 2023 and 2024, five training workshops, including trainings of potential trainers on the Minnesota Protocol, were held for representatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and civil society actors and academics.International and national forensic experts from the medical, legal and investigation fields led and facilitated interactive sessions on crime scene investigations, interviews of suspects and witnesses, the excavation of graves, post-mortem examinations, and the analysis of skeletal remains.Since taking part in the training, Ms Saliganan-Abadia has worked to cascade the lessons she has learned to other government officials in Cebu and the rest of the Western Visayas region.“The Minnesota Protocol builds on best international practice and is considered the ‘gold standard’ when it comes to investigations,” said Signe Elneff Poulsen, UN Philippines’ Human Rights adviser who is at the helm of the UNJP-HR. “These workshops develop skills and provide opportunities to discuss how to consistently apply the Protocol. Including government actors with different roles and civil society strengthens mutual understanding and builds trust—critical when these skills are applied in the field. That is why all our workshops focus on practical application.”To facilitate the implementation of the Protocol, the UNJP-HR organized a study visit of Philippine officials to Argentina for a knowledge exchange on investigations of potentially unlawful deaths as a part of South-South and Triangular Cooperation on strengthening forensic capacity in the country.‘South-South cooperation’ refers to the collaboration and exchange of resources, technology, and skills between developing countries in the Global South. Meanwhile, triangular cooperation also involves technical cooperation between two developing countries, facilitated by multilateral organizations like the United Nations.The study visit to Argentina by representatives of the Medico-Legal Divisions of the PNP and NBI is an example of this kind of cooperation. It provided an opportunity for Filipino law enforcement and investigations officials to engage with and learn from counterparts in Buenos Aires.In June 2024, a delegation of five Filipinos met with key officials from Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship, Ministry of Justice, the Directorate of Human Rights and the Ministry of Security.They also visited the laboratories and facilities of the Argentine Team of Forensic Anthropology, the Forensic Genetics Laboratory of Gendarmería Nacional, the Forensic Medicine Laboratory of the National Police, and the National Bank of Forensic Data, among other sites, to learn their best practices and the sustainability of their human rights efforts.Police Major Pete Malino, a PNP medical doctor who has been serving as a resource person for government agencies, particularly the DOJ, for forensics training using the OHCHR methodology, was one of the delegates. “It’s amazing how Argentina prioritizes forensic investigation, which can be shown in their advanced forensic lab and equipment," he said.The visit served as both an opportunity for learning exchange and a pioneering example of triangular cooperation between the governments of the Philippines and Argentina, facilitated by the United Nations.Highlighting the importance of such exchanges, Ricardo Luis Bocalandro, Argentina’s Ambassador to the Philippines said: “We believe that South-South cooperation between Argentina and the Philippines plays an important role in fostering mutual understanding, collaboration, and development between the two nations. In our recent joint activity, by sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices, both countries leveraged their strengths and expertise. The United Nations played a key role in facilitating and supporting this activity by providing a platform for dialogue, coordination and partnership.”United Nations Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez echoed the sentiment: “The series of trainings on the Minnesota Protocol is an example of how multilateral partnerships yield results that go beyond the impact in one country, and where one country’s leadership contributes to regional and even global progress in the implementation of standards.”For the Philippine government, the study visit is an important stepping stone towards a key priority in strengthening the justice sector.“Under the UNJP, we sent five medico-legal doctors to Argentina for a study visit on forensic science—another step for us to increase our competency on this matter and help establish a national forensic institute in the country,” said Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres.But for Ms Saliganan-Abadia and Dr. Malino, furthering their knowledge on the Minnesota Protocol is a big step forward in ensuring more efficient and collaborative investigations into potentially unlawful deaths as part of their efforts and advocacies to attain justice for victims and their families.
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06 September 2024
United Nations Resident Coordinator consults with BARMM leaders, reviews UN projects
To further strengthen the United Nations’ engagement with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez met BARMM government officials, local communities and indigenous leaders during a recent five-day visit to the region.He visited several United Nations project sites for updates on the UN’s portfolio in the BARMM. “As the BARMM government navigates the complex transition to the normalization as part of the peace process, the United Nations Country Team in the Philippines will maintain its support to ensure sustainable development and lasting peace in the region,” Mr Gonzalez said.He consulted on support needed by regional authorities and residents, including communities such as internally displaced peoples (IDPs) and members of non-Moro indigenous groups, which continue to face challenges amid the ongoing implementation of the Bangsamoro peace process and political transition. Camp transformationMr. Gonzalez visited one of the UN Development Programme’s (UNDP) camp transformation project sites—Camp Omar in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur. The camp is one of six Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camps where UNDP provides livelihood and enterprise development assistance through the PROACTIVE project. The initiative is a joint effort of the UNDP, the European and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) to facilitate the transition and transformation of the former MILF camps into peaceful and productive communities. Representatives of joint national government and MILF peace mechanisms highlighted UNDP’s contributions to sustainable employment improved access to communal services and facilities and strengthened social cohesion through the participation of local stakeholders in peacebuilding. They requested further support, collaboration and complementation of other UN agencies and key partners to address funding challenges and other bottlenecks affecting camp transformation.Among the project beneficiaries Mr. Gonzalez met were non-Moro indigenous peoples (NMIPs) in the newly built tribal hall supported by UNDP in Kabengi, Datu Saudi Ampatuan. While highly appreciating the tribal hall and development than can benefit them, the NMIP communities and leaders shared concerns regarding the loss of their ancestral domains and the lack of engagement in decision-making affecting their communities. He also met MP Froilyn Mendoza, a Teduray CSO leader who was nominated by the Philippine national government to represent NMIPs in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority. She informed the Resident Coordinator that indigenous groups that do not belong to the Moro majority in BARMM face security and protection challenges and continue to struggle for recognition of their rights as specified in the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Building resilience of women and youthIn addition to camp transformation, the United Nations implements several other initiatives in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, a municipality at the center of the so-called SPMS box, a conflict-afflicted area that stretches across four municipalities in Maguindanao del Sur (Shariff Aguak, Pagatin in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Mamasapano, and Shariff Saydona). Communities within the SPMS box are vulnerable to displacement, either because of flooding or because of conflict between warring clans or between Philippine state forces and the ISIS-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). To help foster peace among communities in the area and support displaced women and youth, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) are working with the BARMM Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) and 28 community-based organizations (CBOs) to develop livelihood opportunities resilient to conflict and disaster.With funding support from the Australian Government, the FAO-UNFPA joint programme on Resilient Livelihoods Development enables women and youth IDPs to participate in sustainable agricultural activities such as agri-based food processing and climate-resilient vegetable gardening. Mr. Gonzalez met with project beneficiaries in the barangay of Dapiawan for a dialogue on addressing the ongoing challenges faced by CBOs within the context of cyclical displacement.He also visited the Women-Friendly Space (WFS), a critical component of the joint programme supported by UNFPA. WFS facilitators discussed their vital work supporting rural health units in delivering essential maternal, sexual, and reproductive health services, and preventing and responding to gender-based violence, particularly in remote and crisis-affected areas of Maguindanao. Internal displacementAt the time of Mr. Gonzalez’s visit, United Nations entities were closely monitoring and assisting flood-affected communities in several provinces in BARMM that were devastated by severe flooding and landslides brought on by heavy rainfall over the region compounded by watershed degradation which encompasses the ancestral domain of the non-Moro IPs. This demonstrated the linkage between the need for protection of NMIP ancestral domains upstream and mitigation of devastating flash floods downstream impacting primarily Moro communities. In Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte, he engaged with municipal officials and IDPs whose homes were permanently destroyed by flash flooding to identify the most pressing and intermediate needs in order to determine the support required for a coordinated response from humanitarian, government partners and development partners for a longer-term, durable response. The United Nations continuously tracks displacement incidents due to disaster or conflict across Mindanao and works closely with regional and local authorities to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and develop durable solutions to help address the root causes of displacement. Of the 182,400 people who are currently displaced across Mindanao, more than 80,000 – or about 44% – were protractedly displaced by the 2017 Marawi conflict. Seven years since the armed confrontation between government forces and pro-ISIS militants, UN entities remain on the ground to assist in the continuing rehabilitation and reconstruction of the city and to support affected communities as attested by the International Organization of Migration’s establishment of a field office in Marawi.Mr. Gonzalez met IDP leaders, partners and beneficiaries of projects supported by IOM and UNICEF in Marawi to gain a deeper appreciation of the challenges faced by the province and city negatively impacting durable solutions for the IDPs from the Most Affected Areas (MAA) in Marawi. As temporary shelter agreements expire after five years, Marawi IDPs have been served eviction notices unless they pay for rent and utilities which they cannot afford due to the lack of livelihoods. Mr. Gonzalez visited Barangay Pugaan, one of the locations of the KOICA-funded IOM initiative to support sustainable community integration of IDPs which showcased community livelihoods and services supported by the communities and local government including a daycare center, madrasah (Arabic school) and tarpaulin printing business that provides jobs. During his visit, the Resident Coordinator went to the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) supported by UNICEF to reaffirm the United Nations’ commitment to improving communities’ access to quality, efficient and equitable health services. During the recent measles outbreak in Lanao del Sur, joint UN support to the IPHO from UNICEF, WHO, IOM and UNFPA became instrumental in combating the disease.He assured youth, civil society and IDP leaders and partners that the United Nations will continue to work with them and with provincial and Marawi authorities to pursue sustainable and locally led solutions to displacement and other development issues, such as education, nutrition, water and sanitation, and social policy through initiatives like the European Union-funded UNICEF project “Building community resilience and delivery of essential services for post conflict recovery in Lanao del Sur / Marawi” and the new joint programme recently launched by UNDP, IOM and the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Dubbed “Seeds for Peace,” the programme focuses on developing durable solutions for peace in the BARMM, particularly Marawi, the SPMS box, and the Upi Complex in Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte.With funding from the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund, the project will also strengthen governance processes, conflict prevention and create a safe, voluntary and dignified pathway to resolve the concerns of displaced populations.Marawi rehabilitationAnother contribution of the United Nations to the reconstruction of Marawi is technical support for the rebuilding and operationalization of the Marawi City Jail, which was the first building to be destroyed during the fighting in the city in 2017. Mr. Gonzalez visited the facility, which benefited from policy advice from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which assisted in setting up operational procedures and services for the new correctional facilities to comply with international standards. Now considered a model facility that fully aligns with the Nelson Mandela Rules on the minimum treatment of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), the jail will house high-risk PDLs and those with terrorism-related cases.It serves as a pilot and testing facility for jail management and human rights-based prison reforms in the Philippines.UN’s engagement in BARMMThroughout his visit, the Resident Coordinator recognized the remarkable work carried out by the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity to consolidate peacebuilding investments.Mr. Gonzalez assured his counterparts that as the BARMM prepares for its first elections in May 2025, the United Nations will further enhance its engagement with authorities and communities to help address pervasive issues such internal displacement, resilience and protection of vulnerable groups, land disputes—especially those concerning ancestral domain—and other emerging concerns of the region’s indigenous peoples.“The UN will remain fully engaged, in line with the requests of the national and regional authorities,” he said. “Support to BARMM is a key priority for the UN in the Philippines.”
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Press Release
14 August 2024
KOICA, United Nations call for an Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Law in PH
The proposed legislation aims to provide a comprehensive national framework for preventing adolescent pregnancies and ensuring the well-being of young children in the Philippines. While the bill has been approved by the House of Representatives, its progress in the Senate has stalled, highlighting the urgent need for action.Recognizing the pressing need, the UN agencies are collaborating on the KOICA-funded Joint Programme on Accelerating the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy (JPARAP) in Southern Leyte and Samar. This program focuses on strengthening comprehensive sexuality education and improving access to adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive health services."Having legislation that ensures access to essential reproductive health services is a crucial step towards a more equitable and sustainable future, where every young person can thrive and reach their full potential,” said Gustavo González, UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines. "Adolescent pregnancy is also not just a health issue, but a social and economic one as well. This bill will help us address the root causes of adolescent pregnancy, including lack of access to education and health services."The urgency of the situation is underscored by data from the Philippines’ Commission on Population and Development, which reveals a 10.2% increase in live births by girls aged 10-19 between 2021 and 2022.KOICA also expressed its strong support for the bill. "We believe that investing in young people is essential for sustainable development. In addition to celebrating 75 years of Korea-Philippines diplomatic relations and 30 years of KOICA’s presence in the Philippines, this bill will make us more inspired to strengthen our assistance to the country’s health projects. We assure you of KOICA’s continuing support and commitment not only for better health and well-being, but also a brighter future for young Filipinos," said KOICA Country Director Kim Eunsub.UNFPA stresses the necessity of the bill to remove barriers to healthcare access for adolescents. Currently, young people under 18 require written parental consent for family planning services, which can significantly hinder their access to essential care.“Adolescent pregnancy can result in significant health risks, including increased rates of preventable maternal and infant deaths, as well as the dangerous practice of unsafe abortions. Having a comprehensive framework to address this urgent issue and to protect the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young Filipinos, will help empower adolescents to make informed choices about their bodies and pave the way for better futures," said UNFPA Philippines Country Representative Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane.Meanwhile, UNICEF underscored the importance of protecting the rights and aspirations of young girls.“Adolescent girls’ dreams to learn and get decent jobs should not be cut short. UNICEF is committed to supporting girls through laws, policies and programmes that prioritize their rights, their agency, and opportunities to pursue their dreams and to prevent early and unintended pregnancies. This bill needs to retain the clauses that better define roles and accountability of duty bearers, which can help everyone in the community to work together to tackle the social factors that lead to more teen pregnancies,” said Behzad Noubary, UNICEF Philippines Representative a.i. “These girls have the right to be informed about decisions that affect their lives. They need support, not stigma and blame,” he said.The World Health Organization also recognizes that addressing adolescent pregnancy is a global health and development priority.“Addressing adolescent pregnancy is part of the global health and development agenda. Together with partners, WHO Philippines continues to address adolescent pregnancy by supporting national programmes and policies. Rights-based policies alongside community-based care and evidence-informed interventions are crucial to strengthening frameworks and strategies to scale up interventions and collective action from various sectors, agencies, and communities,” said Dr Graham Harrison, Officer-in-Charge of WHO Philippines.The UN agencies and KOICA call on all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and young people themselves, to unite in advocating for the passage of the adolescent pregnancy bill to create a brighter future for young people in the Philippines.About the Joint Programme on Accelerating the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy (JPARAP):This is a joint initiative of UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, and KOICA that aims to reduce adolescent pregnancy in Southern Leyte and Samar. The partners are working closely with the Department of Health, the Department of Education, and the governments of Samar and Southern Leyte, as well as other government agencies in rolling out adolescent-friendly services, building the capacity of community adolescent health service providers, accelerating the integration of comprehensive sexuality education in schools, implementing youth leadership and governance initiatives, and conducting research on adolescent pregnancy and child, early, and forced marriage.The 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study showed that Eastern Visayas, where Samar and Southern Leyte are located, has one of the highest rates of 15 to 19-year-old female youths that had begun childbearing. ###For more information contact:Kristine Guerrero | Media and Communications Analyst | United Nations Population Fund | kguerrero@unfpa.orgLely Djuhari | Advocacy & Communication Chief| UNICEF Philippines | ldjuhari@unicef.orgCling Malaco | Communications Officer | World Health Organization Philippines | cmalaco@who.intMaria Jorica Pamintuan | Public Information | United Nations Information Centre | maria.pamintuan@un.org
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Press Release
09 August 2024
Strengthened human rights: UN Joint Programme on Human Rights in the Philippines concludes
“As a result of working together, emphasizing the multi-stakeholder character of the programme, the Government, the United Nations, the Commission on Human Rights and civil society made significant contributions” said Gustavo Gonzalez, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines. “The United Nations will remain closely engaged in the human rights agenda, which is always evolving.” The UN Joint Programme included Government actors, the Commission on Human Rights, civil society actors and the UN in all aspects of implementation. This contributed to ensuring that activities were relevant to the local context, and interventions reflected a wide range of views. Last December, the Government announced three human rights pledges at the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland. These will further reinforce the initiatives undertaken under the UN Joint Programme. These include the establishment of the Special Committee on Human Rights Coordination, which aims to institutionalize a robust process for the promotion and protection of human rights through dialogue and joint monitoring, actively engaging civil society and the Forensics Institute, which aims to carry out investigations and thereby elevate the standard of law enforcement and justice delivery. The new Fourth Philippine Human Rights Plan is a comprehensive blueprint for protecting human rights and addressing emerging human rights issues. Steps have already been taken to begin implementation of these pledges. The UN Joint Programme implemented training on the Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of Potentially Unlawful Death, which is an internationally recognized standard for forensic investigations to ensure accountability for violations of the right to life. In addition to bringing global experts to the Philippines, the engagement on the Minnesota Protocol included knowledge exchange with Argentina as part of South-South Triangular cooperation between the two countries, facilitated by the UN Joint Programme. The UN Joint Programme also helped the Philippine Government introduce reforms to its detention system through joining the “Friends of Mandela Rules,” a global commitment to protect the rights of people in detention Trainings, capacity building activities and policy directives under the UN Joint Programme helped the government take steps towards a health- and human rights-based approach to drug policies, which included a commitment to review the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 cemented through the first ever Drugs Policy and Law Review Summit held in July 2024. These results were achieved through close collaboration, including trainings and technical meetings, during which the UN provided advisory support. Over 100 technical meetings took place, and 50 prosecutors, investigators and civil society actors, as well as over 1000 law enforcement officers received training. The United Nations has pledged to remain engaged in human rights promotion and protection in the Philippines: “Much has been achieved already and we must recognize that human rights is always a work in progress, which requires ongoing investment,” Mr Gonzalez said. The US$ 4 million joint programme was funded by international donors (Australia, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the European Union), with the Philippines providing a contribution of US$ 200,000. Click on the link below to read the joint statement of the UN Resident Coordinator and the Secretary of the Department of Justice related to the closing of the Joint Programme.
LINK to the Statement
LINK to the Statement
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Press Release
08 August 2024
JOINT STATEMENT ON THE CONCLUSION OF THE UN JOINT PROGRAMME ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE PHILIPPINES (UNJP)
In July 2021, the Philippines and the United Nations (UN) launched a three-year joint programme on human rights, within the framework of Human Rights Council resolution 45/33, to facilitate technical cooperation and capacity-building in support of national initiatives and institutional frameworks in six (6) areas: (a) domestic investigative and accountability measures; (b) data gathering on alleged police violations; (c) National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-Up (NMRF); (d) civic space and engagement with civil society and the Commission on Human Rights; (e) human rights-based approaches to drug control; and (f) counter-terrorism legislation. The UN Joint Programme (UNJP) was managed through a multi-stakeholder Steering Committee, led by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the UN Resident Coordinator, bringing together 7 Philippine lead agencies, the Commission on Human Rights, 5 UN entities, 26 civil society organizations, and representatives of 9 contributing countries of the UNJP Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) and bilateral funding – Australia, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union. The MPTF reached a total of 4,005,687.15 USD by 25 January 2024, with the Philippine Government providing 200,000 USD in addition to the budgetary resources allocated by relevant national agencies for projects under the UNJP. Conclusion of the UNJP As stated in the UNJP project document, the joint programme concluded on the 31 July 2024. This marks the completion of a successful journey that the Philippines, the UN, and the UNJP partners have taken to bring about transformative change through practical and rooted solutions to serve the noble causes of human dignity and social justice. In a span of 3 years, the Philippines, the UN, and the UNJP partners convened 6 Steering Committee Meetings and almost a hundred Technical Working Group Meetings. These engagements have been rich, inclusive, collaborative, and fruitful, providing vital and robust platforms for Government, CSOs and the UN and lending credence to the power of partnerships and cooperation in human rights. In this context, the UNJP has set the ground for collective engagement in an area requiring further investments. The UNJP has been cited as a model for innovative, constructive, and transformative cooperation between a sovereign duty-bearer and the UN system in the field of human rights: one that meets mandates for (1) promoting human rights by leveraging best practices and expertise, (2) generating meaningful and enduring results that have positive impact on duty-holders on the ground, and (3) effective multilateral action that is conscious of the demands on accountability and stewardship of resources that resonate in all corners of the UN system. The results of the UNJP are grounded on the following: Philippines’ long-standing cooperation with the UN and the international community in relation to its commitment to advance democracy, rule of law and good governance; The UN system’s collaborative and consultative approach to support states on the implementation of good governance, human rights and development agenda; Situating human rights action within broad UN development-oriented country program; Spirit of dialogue that respects perspectives and values the contribution of experts, practitioners, partners, and civil society actors alike; and Continuing adherence to national and international human rights laws and standards.As part of its concluding procedures, the Philippine Government and the United Nations Philippines, will hold its final Steering Committee Meeting on 09 August 2024 to discuss summary of achievements, and to finalize the delivery of end-of-term requirements pursuant to the UNJP Document, including the conduct of an independent evaluation and a consolidated final report, to ensure the highest standards of transparency, accountability and a lessons learned approach. Forward-looking Ownership The Philippines is ready to sustain and broaden its achievements under the UNJP. Along this line, the government has been actively pursuing three (3) important initiatives which were officially announced by the Philippines at the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Geneva, last December 2023.Firstly, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Administrative Order No. 22 on 08 May 2024 creating the Special Committee on Human Rights Coordination (SCHRC). The SCHRC had an organizational meeting on 27 June 2024 to start the drafting and consultation process for the Implementing Guidelines of Administrative Order No. 22. The SCHRC institutionalizes a more comprehensive inter-agency coordination platform and a robust multi-stakeholder process for the promotion and protection of human rights through dialogue and joint monitoring, actively engaging civil society. The Committee will set out pathways for coherent, solutions-oriented and accountable partnerships with a wide range of partners. Engagement with the UN will be conducted under the new 2024-28 UN Development System Cooperation Framework signed with the Philippines.Secondly, the Philippines will establish a Forensics Institute that will serve both as a training and learning institution, as well as a fully operational investigative facility that professionalizes and elevates the standard of law enforcement and justice delivery of the country. The Philippines will engage with bilateral, regional and UN partners to leverage the best available expertise on these fronts. Thirdly, the Philippines is adopting, through a multi-stakeholder process, the Fourth Philippine Human Rights Plan (PHRP4), a comprehensive and progressive blueprint for protecting human rights and addressing emerging human rights issues, such as the rights of older persons and human rights and climate change. To date, 5 of 8 joint regional consultations for the on-going development of the PHRP4 have been conducted involving 319 civil society organizations of various advocacies. The PHRP4 shall be launched through a ceremonial signing on 10 December 2024 in time for the International Human Rights Day. These initiatives offer opportunities for the Philippines, bilateral partners, the UN and its entities, local and international civil society partners to sustain their engagements in an inclusive human rights agenda.
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Press Release
20 July 2024
On Mandela Day, UN Philippines emphasizes need for prison reform
The Mandela Rules, named after the South African president who was imprisoned for 27 years, define the international minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners and persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).In December 2023, the Philippines joined 38 other nations that comprise the Group of Friends of the Nelson Mandela Rules, which was created to raise awareness and promote humane conditions of imprisonment. “In joining the Group of Friends of the Mandela Rules, the Philippines is explicitly expressing its commitment to adopting the necessary changes to improve conditions in the country’s detention facilities and ensure that the human rights and dignity of every prisoner is upheld,” said UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez.To help improve prison conditions, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has been working with the Department of Justice, including the Bureau of Corrections and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, to address prison congestion. The country, which reported a congestion rate of 348 percent from January to October 2023, ranks third in the world for jail and prison overcrowding. In honor of Nelson Mandela Day, a total of 784 PDLs were discharged in a ceremony on 19 July—over half of whom were released upon serving their full sentences, while the remaining were acquitted, paroled, granted probation or Executive Clemency. Over 15,000 PDLs have been released under President Ferdinand Marcos’s administration as part of efforts to decongest the prison system. Together with the Philippine government, UNODC also convened the first National Decongestion Summit last year to bring together policymakers, justice sector professionals, and members of civil society and the academe to develop long-term solutions to prison congestion, many of which centered on three themes: reducing admissions, shortening detention times, and increasing releases.Complementing the decongestion efforts, UNODC is also providing technical assistance to the Philippines on revitalizing the country’s approach to drug control. Presently, drug-related offenses account for almost 70 percent of incarcerations. The UNODC and Philippine government are collaborating with multi-sector stakeholders to establish a more holistic approach to addressing drug-related issues, which was a key theme during the recently concluded Drug Policy and Law Reform Summit. “Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for championing equality and fighting against discrimination in South Africa. In remembering his legacy, we must learn from this powerful, yet humble leader by showing compassion to those in the penal system who are now deprived of their liberty. We celebrate today a type of leadership that is much needed in facing today’s challenges,” said Mr. Gonzalez.
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Press Release
16 May 2024
UNSGSA Queen Máxima to visit the Philippines to support scaling up financial services for better financial health
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — May 17, 2024 — H.M. Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA), is scheduled to visit the Philippines from May 21-23, 2024. The visit will focus on advancing key foundational building blocks for financial inclusion—including connectivity, digital identification, and digital payments—as well as enhancing financial health and resilience against economic and climate-related challenges for Filipinos.In recent years, the Philippines has seen considerable progress in financial access, with the proportion of adults owning a bank account rising from 26.6% in 2011 to 51.4% in 2021, as reported by the World Bank Global Findex. However, despite these gains, the Philippines remains still has approximately 37.6 million unbanked adults. The Findex data also highlights significant concerns about financial resilience among Filipinos. The primary financial worry for 42% of adults is covering medical costs in the event of a serious illness or accident, followed by concerns over managing monthly expenses (24%) and securing funds for old age (17%). The urgency for improved financial health has been underscored by the pandemic, with 68% of adults very worried about facing severe financial hardship.Throughout the visit, Queen Máxima will recognize recent developments in digital ID implementation and digital payments systems while engaging with public and private sector leaders to discuss support for their expansion. Digital ID can help people access safe and secure financial services such as digital payments. The visit will also highlight the need for more affordable financial services, crucial for the archipelago's many small islands.During the trip, the UNSGSA will conduct field visits in Manila and its surrounding areas to hear firsthand from financial services users about innovations that significantly impact their lives, especially those enhancing financial health. Queen Máxima will visit a fisherfolk community to explore last-mile financial solutions that address the unique challenges present in remote island settings. The Special Advocate will also learn about a tech-enabled platform that empowers small ‘sari-sari’ (which means retail shop) store owners to grow their businesses, digitize their operations, and integrate into larger supply chains. The agenda further includes high-level meetings for the UNSGSA with figures such as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Secretary of the Department of Finance (DOF) Ralph G. Recto, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Dr. Eli M. Remolona Jr., and other key policymakers and leaders. These discussions aim to foster partnerships and support continuous innovations in the financial sector. Queen Máxima will also meet with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masatsugu Asakawa to explore collaborative opportunities at a regional level.Additionally, a focus group discussion with a diverse contingent of female financial users will provide insights into how financial products can effectively address the needs of women and enhance their financial health. Another highlight of the visit will be a demonstration of the Co-Develop’s South-East Asia Center for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) at Ateneo University.Throughout her visit, Queen Máxima will emphasize the critical role of financial services in enhancing economic prospects and quality of life for all Filipinos, particularly those in underserved communities. By sharing insights and forging connections between global financial initiatives and local realities, the UNSGSA visit aims to inspire continued progress and innovation in the Philippines’ financial sector. The UNSGSA will be supported by some of her Reference Group members, including the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), the Better than Cash Alliance, the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP), and the World Bank.The UNSGSA previously visited the Philippines from June 29 to July 1 in 2015. For media inquiries please contact:Christopher HughesCommunications AdvisorOffice of the UN Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development Email: christopher.hughes@unsgsa.org Marianne WiltjerHead Spokesperson to Queen MáximaThe Netherlands Government Information ServiceEmail: m.wiltjer@minaz.nl
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